Nov 143 min read

Kansas Jayhawks Aim to Spoil No. 6 BYU Cougars Perfection

Devin Neal — © Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY SPORTS

The Kansas Jayhawks (3-6, 2-4 Big 12 Conference) face yet another ranked opponent when they travel to LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah to face the No. 6 BYU Cougars (9-0, 6-0) on Nov. 16 at 10:15 pm EST.

Battle of Momentum

Both programs have had major momentum boosts this past week. The Jayhawks defeated the Iowa State Cyclones (7-2, 4-2) to not only beat a ranked opponent but also keep their bowl hopes alive. The Cougars beat their hated rivals, the Utah Utes (4-5, 1-5), in the waning seconds to remain perfect on the season.

A win for Kansas means it continues to keep its bowl hopes alive even after weeks of heartbreak led them to a dreadful 2-6 record. For BYU, a win will further prove that it is the top dog in the Big 12 and preserve its perfect record, one of just four teams to be perfect this far into the 2024 season.

Key Players: Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have firepower on offense and a great secondary that prevents opponents from having strong passing games. They seem to lack the "clutch" gene this season, which has led to heartbreak throughout the year. Will this be the game that is remedied or will the trend continue?

Devin Neal, Running Back

Devin Neal broke records last weekend, becoming Kansas' all-time leading rusher in yardage and in rushing touchdowns. BYU's run defense allows 146.6 yards per game and ranks No. 68 in the country. Their pass defense allows just 176.9 yards per game and ranks No. 21.

Getting Neal going will be imperative against this defense, but expect the Cougars to stack the box in preparation for one of the Big 12's best running backs.

Mello Dotson, Cornerback

Mello Dotson will be the guy who shuts down a very good BYU passing offense. If the Jayhawks allow the combination of Jake Retzlaff and Darius Lassiter to get going, then they'll be at a significant disadvantage.

Dotson's 4 interceptions, 38 tackles, 5 pass deflections and forced fumble already speak for themselves. However, Dotson allowed zero yards and maintained a 0.0 opposing passer rating against Iowa State, one of the nation's best passing offenses, while also having a pick-6 to seal the game.

Key Players: BYU Cougars

The Cougars have talent themselves offensively, but their strengths lie in their defense. Going up against an offense that averages 421 yards a game will be a worthy challenge.

Jake Retzlaff, Quarterback

Retzlaff may not be the flashiest quarterback in the nation, but he can win games. His ability to find a good rhythm and consistency, along with his ability to create something out of nothing both in the air and on the ground, are what opponents fear the most.

Kansas has had a lot of trouble defending mobile quarterbacks and defending the middle of the field. Retzlaff has 291 yards on the ground and 4 TDs along with an average rating of 135.9 against conference opponents.

Jack Kelly, Linebacker

Jack Kelly is the defensive leader for the Cougars and their main run-stopper. Kelly gets in the backfield more than anyone on this defense, having 4 sacks and 7 tackles for loss on the year.

A linebacker who is quick and has a constant motor is exactly the remedythat the Cougars need to combat the ground attack of Kansas. After how Kelly and Co. handled Micah Bernard of Utah last weekend, their confidence has to be pretty high.

Spoilers Once Again?

Kansas has a chance to play spoiler not once, not twice, but three times throughout the rest of the season. They've already done it once with the Cyclones, but getting it done against the Cougars on the road is a whole different story.

The home-field advantage of LaVell Edwards Stadium has played a big role in why the Cougars remain perfect and will once again play a large role. Should this game be close, the Cougars also have the edge in the clutch department, winning five more one-score games than Kansas this season. It will be tough, but the Cougars will etch out another win on their road to perfection, dashing the Jayhawks' bowl hopes in the process.

Cougars win 31-28.